In today's fast-paced world, where individuals are often juggling multiple responsibilities, the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues is on the rise. One such common ailment is Tension Neck Syndrome (TNS), a condition that affects countless individuals due to the stresses and strains of modern life. We spoke to Dr Arun Bhanot, Director, Department of Spine Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who sheds light on this often-overlooked but significant health concern.
What Is Tension Neck Syndrome?
Tension Neck Syndrome, also known as ‘text neck’ or ‘computer neck’, is characterised by pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back region. Dr Bhanot said, “The root cause of this condition lies in prolonged periods of poor posture, such as hunching over a computer or smartphone for extended durations or slouching in bed while using phones or watching TV for extended hours.”
Causes and Risk Factors
Dr Bhanot explained, “The modern lifestyle, which involves long hours spent on digital devices and sedentary work, contributes significantly to the development of TNS. The constant strain on the neck muscles and spine can lead to pain, soreness around the upper back/shoulders, headaches, and reduced mobility if not addressed promptly.”
Moreover, the young millennial when tired from work, usually chooses to unwind on the same gadgets he/she has been using for work to watch OTT shows, YouTube or Insta reels. This further leads to a higher risk of developing TNS.
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Management and Treatment
Dr Bhanot emphasises a multi-faceted approach to managing Tension Neck Syndrome. He said, “A combination of lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and regular exercises to offset the negative impact of long work hours using digital gadgets.”
Being mindful of your posture, taking regular breaks during prolonged periods of screen time, and incorporating neck stretches into your routine can go a long way in preventing TNS.
Specialised Treatment
For those already experiencing symptoms, the doctors offer specialised physical therapy programs tailored to alleviate pain and improve posture. “These programs aim to strengthen the neck muscles, enhance flexibility, and educate individuals on ergonomics to mitigate the risk of recurrent issues”, highlighted Dr Bhanot.
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Advanced Measures
In cases where conservative measures prove insufficient, the doctors may have to investigate further by doing X-rays and MRI scans to rule out the possibility of cervical spondylosis and pinching of the spinal nerves in the neck.
Dr Bhanot added, “Cervical spondylosis (a condition affecting the bones, discs, and nerves in the neck) can also present with similar symptoms that can prove resistant to a conservative line of treatment.” Once the cause of symptoms is identified as cervical spondylosis and nerve pain arising out of pressure on the nerves in the neck, the spine doctors would initially attempt to treat it conservatively using medication and physical therapy.
According to a clinical trial conducted by the Complementary Therapies in Medicine, The effects of acupuncture may improve and/or increase the effectiveness of physical therapy during musculoskeletal rehabilitation for tension neck syndrome. However, for resistant cases, the doctors may choose advanced surgical options to treat them.
Bottomline
Dr Arun Bhanot urges individuals to prioritise their spinal health. He concluded, “TNS is a preventable and treatable condition using simple means. By adopting healthy habits and seeking timely intervention, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and maintain optimal neck function. TNS serves as a reminder for everyone to be mindful of their posture and overall spinal health in an era dominated by technology.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you experience any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]